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Pump Jacks Shut Down Marshals

July 25, 2014 - Texas Collegiate League (TCL)
East Texas PumpJacks News Release


Jeremy Hallonquist pitched a complete game gem and the Jacks defeated Texas 1-0 to move into a tie for the final playoff spot.

One hour and 46 minutes. In a movie theater, that's enough time to watch a classic like The Usual Suspects or The Graduate. On a baseball field, though, it's hardly enough time to play six innings, let alone a whole game.

Except for Thursday night.

Jeremy Hallonquist delivered an Oscar-worthy performance, making a first-inning run hold up as the East Texas Pump Jacks defeated the Texas Marshals 1-0 in the shortest home game of the season.

The win moved the Pump Jacks into a tie with Texas in the overall standings as the two teams battle for what will likely be the final playoff spot. The Jacks and Marshals meet five more times in the final 13 games of the regular season.

Hallonquist pitched the first complete-game shutout for the Pump Jacks this season. He struck out seven without a walk, allowing just four hits. He finished just as strong as he started, retiring the last eight Marshals he faced, including a pair of strikeouts in the ninth inning.

The Pump Jacks gave Hallonquist all the room he needed in the first inning. James Lear was hit by a pitch, stole second in the next at-bat, and swiped third with Peter Miller at the plate. When Miller grounded to shortstop, Lear scampered home to give East Texas a 1-0 lead.

The home crowd had no idea that was the only run they would see all night. Hallonquist and his counterpart, Texas starter Keaton Brewer engaged in an old-fashioned pitcher's duel. The two teams combined for just nine hits and one walk on the night.

That's not to say the game lacked excitement. In the fourth inning, with James Sloan at second and two outs, Carlos Contreras singled to right. Sloan rounded third and headed for home, but he encountered one problem: Pump Jacks right fielder Chris Osborne. Osborne delivered a strike to Miller, who applied the tag to preserve the shutout.

An error in the seventh inning gave the Marshals a leadoff baserunner, but Lear teamed with second baseman Drew McLaughlin to turn a nifty inning-ending double play.

Osborne went 2-for-2, stole a base, and earned the only walk of the game. Dustin Williams also went 2-for-4.

The Pump Jacks and Marshals do battle again on Friday at historic Driller Park for Fireworks Friday. The explosive matchup will culminate in a postgame fireworks spectacular, set to a soundtrack that celebrates the King himself, Elvis Presley. It's the only Pump Jacks fireworks show in July and tickets are going fast, so don't miss out!

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